By Jordan J. Phelan
Staff Writer
CLAREMONT — Claremont Fire Captain Michael Zombeck has seen a lot of action in his nearly three decades of fire service. From inquisitive queries regarding the functionality and installation of smoke detectors to frantic calls from worried residents reporting fires across the city, the apparatus bay of the Claremont Fire Department has served as a classroom where lessons have been learned, a symbol of the community’s collective strength, and a home full of friends and family.
And the latter had never been more true than it was on Tuesday afternoon.
As Zombeck ate lunch in the second-floor conference room, loved ones and fellow firefighters talked amongst themselves in front of the main offices as they waited in anticipation for the man of the hour to make his appearance.
The occasion?
Zombeck had been chosen by members of the local community to be the recipient of the Oliver Lacasse Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 808’s First Responder of the Year, a tradition that is new to Claremont but one that has been going for close to two decades at the national level, according to Post 808 Commander James England.
The award had been a well-kept secret for more than a month, but the four-year captain, unbeknownst to others, had an idea that something was going on. Suffice to say there was a bit of confusion at first.
Zombeck was quite puzzled when he received a call from a relative a few days back congratulating him on his recent award. He quickly dismissed the claim and carried on. Zombeck knew that these things go through the chief and are approved through a vote which is known ahead of time.
But his relative was right all along, a fact that became quite clear as he made his way down the stairs of the fire station and into the maze of people and equipment filling the apparatus bay.
“I was definitely surprised,” Zombeck said with a laugh.
Welcomed by familiar faces all around, England took Zombeck aside and gave a dedication in honor of the captain.
“This award is given specifically to someone from the fire department, police station, or emergency medical services — those who take care of us, keep us safe, and put their lives on the line every single day they walk into this job. It’s about time we give some good acknowledgement for that,” England said. “We polled throughout the community and the city of Claremont as extensively as we could back in June to try and find who amongst them is deserving of this award. Well, good news, there’s a lot. That was a lot longer of a list than we were expecting. But of that, Captain Michael Zombeck of the fire department came to the top. And I am very proud for the VFW to be able to present the First Responder of the Year award to Michael Zombeck.”
For Zomeck, the honor left him speechless.
“I am at a loss for words,” said Zombeck mere moments after being named the award recipient. “I’m just happy — I’m happy.”
But after a few photos with family and colleagues, Zombeck reiterated his gratitude for the city of Claremont to recognize him in such a special and meaningful way.
“It feels great. Having grown up in this community pretty much my whole life, it’s nice that the community that has supported me and that I have had a chance to give back to throughout the years . . . it really is an honor. I couldn’t be happier.”
In addition to a plaque, Zombeck was awarded four $50 gift certificates to Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza, The Common Man Restaurant, Leo’s Market, and Claremont Spice and Dry Goods, as well as a $150 check from the Oliver Lacasse Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 808. The gift certificates were given as prizes by the local businesses after hearing about the award. Several other businesses also agreed to participate but were unable to provide a prize in time as the event was moved up.
“Captain Michael Zombeck came to the forefront when we polled Claremont residents,” said Oliver Lacasse Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 808 member Randal Miles. “He’s highly respected among his colleagues and his community and serves as a great example of what this award is about.”
Zombeck, who also recognized the work ethic and dedication of his fellow firefighters and emergency responders in Claremont, said he strives to be a face that people trust and know throughout the community.
“I try to pride myself on doing the right thing and being a man of action and doing more good than harm,” he said. “I am always on duty.”
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.